Rust Free MK1's, lottery?

[JayPee]

I am tempted to pick up a 1.8 mk1 as a run around for the next few months to decide if I want to develop it further as a track car. I have a budget of around about 2k, which seems to see a big variance in age, import/uk spec cars, mileage etc. Ideally I am looking for a UK car that is up to the job of the daily commute for a little while at least.

I emailed one that looked good in the advert last night to ask about rust as it wasn't mentioned and sure enough the rear arches and sills are starting to go

Obviously at that price I am not after a cosmetically ideal car, but are they all typically showing some rust at this age? Or is it a case of get what you pay for? Finally if anybody in the South East or South West is selling the car described, then please let me know!

Many Thanks

[MX-5 Lazza]

If it will ultimately become a track car I'd look at JDM cars rather than uk as they should have LSD. There are plenty of rust free examples out there but you will have to look through a few to find the right one at the right price. There are plenty to choose from though.

[Monumental]

Just over a year ago I was in exactly the same situation as you describe. Same requirements, same budget. So I have the car you are looking for, but you can't have it as I decided to keep it for track work

The key factor that determines rust is how long the car has been in the UK. i.e. an actual UK car or an import that has been in the UK a long time will likely have rust or have had repair work done.

You just have to be patient and look at a lot of cars as you can't be sure even if you ask an owner/dealer on the phone about rust or repairs.

But the good news is that £2k will easily get you a 1.8 Eunos in great nick with no rust. Happy Roadster shopping!

[Stevesh]

This will sound like a stupid question, but how do you check for rust? Most sellers wouldn't let you poke a screwdriver into their bodywork!

As I understand it, the outer sills and arch can be checked but what about the inner construction?

Steve

[JayPee]

Thanks for your advice guys, A few e-mails and calls have been made. I need a car sharpish so unfortunately my search maybe isn't as thorough as it should be. However there is one that the seller has taken pictures of the underneath of, and it also seems to have had a fair bit of care during its lifetime. I totally agree that it is a nightmare trying to find a rust free car though. It does break my rules of being a fair distance of 76 miles away, but I guess you have to take a risk every now and then!

[Gizmo!]

I was very lucky - when I started looking there was one just a few miles away, no rust, had plainly been looked after. Still going strong 14500 miles later